Police News - February 2015

February 2015

Blood fiasco

Four police officers searching for answers

Supporting police Former cop embraces social media

TRG vacancies

Plenty of space, no qualified applicants

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE

WA

POLICE UNION

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Feb 2015

POLICE NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WA POLICE UNION

CONTENTS

10

Karratha blood fiasco still unresolved Four Karratha police officers still waiting for answers after blood was taken from them.

22

A positive step forward for leadership Steve Brown’s perspective on modern leadership.

08 President’s Report 19 WAPU Opinion 20 WAPU Opinion 21 WAPU Opinion 24 Field Report

16

25

The TRG has vacancies, yet experienced officers cannot re-apply.

The things to consider when applying to go bush.

TRG officers left out in the cold

06 WAPU Directors and staff

Want to move to the country?

27 WAPU Opinion 28 Industrial Report 31 Legal 33 Motoring 34 Health 35 From the Archives 36 Entertainment 39 Member Benefits

18

Social media supports our cops ‘Support our WA Police Officers’ facebook and website shows thanks.

4 Police News february 2015

40 New Members 42 Retirements, Resignations and Vale 43 Where are they now?

WA

POLICE UNION

639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 P (08) 9321 2155 F (08) 9321 2177 E admin@wapu.org.au Office hours Monday-Friday 7am-4pm After Hours Emergency Director 0438 080 930 www.wapu.org.au Follow us on Twitter @WAPoliceUnion

PUBLISHED BY WA Police Union 639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 (08) 9321 2155 ADVERTISING WA Police Union (08) 9321 2155 DISCLAIMER WAPU (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the WA Police Union and the magazine is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publishers, its Directors or employees.

COPYRIGHT All materials in this publication are subject to copyright and written authorisation from WAPU is required prior to reproduction in any form.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to the advertiser. All advertising is undertaken in good faith and WAPU takes no responsibility for information contained in advertisements.

cover Former Karratha Senior Constable Nathaniel Kett resigned from WA Police after blood was taken from him following a sudden death.

Photos: Marg Bertling – Site Pics

WA

POLICE UNION

Board of Directors

GEORGE TILBURY President 0409 105 898

BRANDON SHORTLAND Senior Vice President 0419 802 650

24/7 EMERGENCY Director

HARRY ARNOTT Vice President 0407 989 008

MICK KELLY Treasurer & 24/7 Emergency 0438 080 930

Ward Adamson Director 0457 603 311

LINDSAY GARRATT Director 0407 775 050

MICk GILL Director 0427 097 000

Mark Johnson Director 0488 352 525

Staff EMERGENCY 24/7 Director MICk KELLY

0438 080 930

PAUL HUNT Secretary 6 Police News february 2015

Chris Vitler Finance Manager

WENDY ROUTHAN Executive Assistant

JESSICA PORTER Media Officer

STEVEN GLOVER Media Officer

PETER KELLY Andrea Wyllie Industrial Senior Officer Industrial Officer

Board of Directors & Staff

Branch Presidents Academy

John Seidner

Air Wing

John Raphael

Avon

Dave Flaherty

Bunbury Australind Gareth Reed Central Great Southern

(Vice President)

Central Midlands

Max Walker

Central West Coast

Darren Gill 13687

Commissioned Officers

Mike Green

Tristan Taylor

Curtin

Andie Fagan

Eastern Goldfields

Dave Curtis

East Kimberley

Michael Henderson

East Metropolitan

Barry McGrath

Eastern Wheatbelt

Shane Wheeler

Fortescue

Samuel Kelsey

Gascoyne

Jon Ellis

Geraldton

Michael Hall

Great Southern

Danny Richmond

Intelligence Services Contact WAPU HQ Leeuwin Naturaliste David Holmberg Licensing Paul Burke Enforcement Division

Stuart Lapsley Director 0408 010 436

Graeme Macey Director 0400 908 540

KEVIN McDONALD Director 0434 833 283

Peter McGee Director 0418 938 354

Michael Paterson Director 0412 224 374

PETER POTTHOFF Director 0407 476 679

HARRY RUSSELL Director 0412 585 429

Lower South West

Paul Williams

Maylands

Shaun Paterson

(Vice President)

Midland Workshops Russell Gardiner Mirrabooka

Mark Folkard

Murchison

Peter Gerada

North Eastern Goldfields

Kurt Weedon

North Pilbara

Aaron Ogg

North West Metropolitan

Darren Gill 10286

Peel North

Dave McCallum

Peel South

Harry Russell

Perth Police Centre

Aaron Hickey

Perth Watch House

Fiona McPherson

Professional Standards

Peter Birch

Prosecuting

Jarred Gerace

South East Eyre

Craig Mellors

South East Metropolitan

Ryan Hayter

(PAO)

(Vice President)

South Metropolitan Rob Neutert South West Hinterland

Laurie Morley

Traffic Support

Paul Gale

Upper Great Robert Southern Jonas-Green

JANE BAkER Research Officer

DAVE LAMPARD Field Officer

DEAN GIACOMINI Field Officer

TARRYN SMITH Accounts Officer

JAIMEE McCAGH Administration Officer

PENNY BROWN Administration Officer

West Kimberley

Stuart Lapsley

West Pilbara

Doug Holt

Western Suburbs

Chris Fox

(Vice President)

7 Police News february 2015

George Tilbury President

Terrorism sparks new era for police A new year has brought with it different challenges for police officers around the country after intelligence agencies discovered a terrorist attack on police is likely.

Members are reminded not to become complacent and where possible, do simple tasks such as escort fellow Members to and from their personal vehicles, as well as being armed at all times while on duty.

8

The changing landscape is a stark reality of the nature of terrorism as it exists today. Terrorists aren’t only found in the caves of the Middle East, but also increasingly in our own backyards.

I am not in the business of scaremongering. I am in the business of protecting my Members and ensuring that you are always prepared.

WAPU has reinforced the WA Police Broadcast asking all personnel to take their personal safety seriously and to remain vigilant around police facilities.

We will continue to receive updates from the WA Police Corporate Board with regards to the terrorism alert level, and I thank Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Stephen Brown for continuing an open dialogue with WAPU about these matters.

That said, I continually have to raise our security concerns about the lack of secure parking around the Perth Police Centre and Watch House time and time again.

In light of the increased terror warnings, I have sent letters to the Minister for Police and Commissioner to again investigate opportunities for Members to park their vehicles in nearby Government owned facilities. I now await their reply.

Members are reminded not to become complacent and where possible, do simple tasks such as escort fellow Members to and from their personal vehicles, as well as being armed at all times while on duty.

We have continued to make the point that unsecure areas such as car parks should be a priority for the Agency to address, thus ensuring that our Members are not sitting ducks to lone wolf attacks or subjected to any other threat.

But ultimately, your safety can be improved by your own actions so I ask that you take precautions such as not wearing your uniform, or even part uniform, on your travel to and from work, restricting security settings on social media (read more on page 27) and not disclosing your occupation to strangers.

Accoutrements in court precincts A long-standing order that police officers are not to wear all their accoutrements will be lifted after WAPU sought intervention from WA Police and the Minister for Police.

Given the increased terror alert for police officers, the current situation has left court precincts as soft targets, with police officers and private security personnel having no means to defend themselves or others, let alone respond to armed offender incidents in a timely manner.

Correspondence with Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Stephen Brown has resulted in WA Police gaining in-principle support for police officers to wear non-lethal accoutrements in court precincts. A written agreement is expected to be forthcoming from the Chief Magistrate.

Regional OIC duties defined Regional OICs of police stations have now been directed not to undertake OIC duties or be responsible for police stations outside of their substantive sub-district after the issue was raised at the WAPU Annual Conference.

The Great Southern Branch raised this issue at Conference and cited an example where one OIC was responsible for up to three sub-districts for an extended period of time, drawing on a small amalgamation of staff from those stations.

The OIC then became subject to fatigue, responding to call outs, local emergency management, BAMR etc. for all three stations.

After campaigning on this issue, we have now received written confirmation that this will no longer occur. Then Acting Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Gary Budge indicated that another officer will be appointed as an Acting OIC for each sub-district. This will usually be the second officer attached to the station, but in some cases an officer relieving from another sub-district will be utilised.

I applaud the Branch for raising this issue and gaining a successful outcome for all involved.

President's report

Your welfare is our priority

Increased Watch House medical coverage

After an internal investigation into the shooting at Carlisle, and our intervention, WA Police has implemented a new policy detailing how critical incidents should be handled.

We are extremely pleased that officer welfare will now be the resounding priority of senior officers in charge of critical scenes.

I am very pleased that the Commissioner issued a Broadcast supporting our calls for Members to look after each other and that welfare is to be considered first and foremost.

I am also encouraged that specialist units such as Major Crash and Major Crime will now oversee critical incident investigations, as they are best placed to make assessments given their expertise and requirement to investigate deaths on behalf of the Coroner.

In instances where Members require medical assistance, it must be provided immediately.

We will continue to monitor all critical incidents where a death or serious injury occurs to ensure that you are treated appropriately and afforded your rights.

Once we receive full disclosure of the review into the Carlisle incident, we can work with WA Police to ensure that protocols are put in place that clearly define roles, responsibilities and ensure that priority is given to your health and welfare. We look forward to positive and constructive dialogue with the Agency in the future on this issue.

However, I must say that I am disappointed we have not yet received a full, unedited copy of this report.

In the event of a serious critical incident occurring, please immediately advise WAPU 24/7 Emergency Director, Mick Kelly, on 0438 080 930 so that legal and/or welfare assistance can be provided.

After raising our concerns with the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee as part of a Parliamentary inquiry in 2013, a registered nurse will now be stationed at Perth Watch House 24/7.

WAPU raised concerns about the lack of medical coverage at Perth Watch House as part of the Inquiry into Custodial Arrangements in Police Lock-Ups. As a result of our evidence, the Committee recommended that 24/7 medical coverage should be made available.

Recent correspondence from WA Police has confirmed that our push for medical coverage has been successful and a nurse will now be available at all times.

This will also greatly assist in the application of the Mandatory Testing (Infectious Diseases) Legislation.

Offenders who could have transmitted a communicable disease to an officer can now be blood tested in this secure environment, without having to waste hours in hospital emergency departments.

We will continue to monitor all critical incidents where a death or serious injury occurs to ensure that you are treated appropriately and afforded your rights.

9

K

unres

Police News february 2015

Karratha blood fiasco still unresolved By Steven Glover

N

athaniel Kett put on his WA Police uniform every day, he gave the job everything he had and was bloody good at it.

He had desires to be a police officer from an early age, possibly even be an officer-in-charge of a country station one day.

After seven years as a police officer, he now works in the public sector having resigned from WA Police in February last year.

But why?

In September 2013, WA Police took a blood sample from him and three other Karratha police officers following the sudden death of a man hours after he was involved in a domestic violence incident.

The then Senior Constable had been working night shift on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, a weekend he and his colleagues knew was going to be busy.

It started as a normal Friday night with a few low priority jobs but things soon gathered pace as he and his partner attended a number of domestic violence related incidents.

One of those incidents involved a dispute between a woman who Nathaniel happened to know through previous dealings with her during his time as a police officer. “I knew the family quite well having dealt with numerous other matters regarding her and previous boyfriends, partners and family members. So I had a pretty good rapport with her, I knew her quite well and she knew who I was and the job that we had to do,� he said.

After arriving at her house at approximately 4am, Nathaniel and his partner questioned her about the domestic violence incident and she agreed to accompany them back to Karratha Police Station to make a statement and go through the inquiry process.

Two other officers dropped the woman back at her house at around 7.30am. â–ˇ 11 Police News february 2015

“I was angry about the lack of concern for our welfare as attending officers. I was angry for the lack of follow up from investigating officers in weeks to follow.”

Soon after that, a sudden death at the woman’s address was reported to the station. It was her de facto.

Nathaniel and his partner did not attend the scene other than to deliver the station camera to the two officers completing the coronial investigation into the man’s death.

In fact, neither officer had any contact with the deceased man during that shift.

“I knew who he was, we all did, it was one of those situations, recidivist file which may not have been current at the time but they were people we dealt with regularly,” Nathaniel said.

“The woman stated to me when I first spoke to her at the address words to the effect of he knew it was you so he was out and over the back fence before I even opened the door.”

Having had no dealings with the man that night, Nathaniel returned to the station where he planned to complete a report on the incident as well as tidy up his remaining paperwork.

He was staring down the barrel of several hours of overtime.

It was then that an Inspector advised Nathaniel that he was required to provide a blood sample.

“I was approached and the Inspector said words to the effect it was just something we need you to do. Are you happy to jump in the car and come to up to the hospital with us?”

Nathaniel loosely consented to it.

“I certainly questioned why. It was never clarified and there was no formal requirement placed upon me,” he said.

“I say I consented to it because obviously I did, I certainly didn’t do it under duress but I will say I consented to providing the sample with a lack of understanding as to why it was required.

“At no stage was I provided with a verbal or written requirement of why the sample was being taken. At the conclusion of the sample, I was given a vial of blood and said it was basically mine to do whatever I liked with and the other sample was retained by the hospital.”

Nathaniel was privy to a conversation between the Inspector and hospital staff regarding what was required with the sample and he said there was a lot of confusion surrounding what forms needed to be filled out and where the sample needed to be sent.

12 Police News february 2015

After the blood was taken, internal interviews were conducted with all officers in the ensuing days however, it was weeks before Nathaniel was given any feedback.

“I was addressed by the District Superintendent who had a brief conservation with me, one-on-one, as he did with the other officers who had blood taken as well. I left that address confused. I wasn’t sure whether it was the outcome, an update or whether it was an apology.

“I don’t believe it was any of the three mentioned, quite frankly.”

Following that meeting, Nathaniel met with his acting OIC to discuss the outcomes from the internal investigation.

It recommended verbal guidance, which was given to Nathaniel. However, he was later told that the Internal Affairs Unit had not accepted verbal guidance and that notes need to be recorded on his 4Me2Achieve.

“I had a quick read over the notes and I asked him (acting OIC) if I had to sign it. He basically suggested that I should sign it but by no stretch did he make me sign it under duress.

“I did ask what the ramifications would be if I refused to sign it and he didn’t comment so I agreed at that time that I would just sign it, which I did. I was not particularly impressed by it but I didn’t feel as though I really had any other choice. I signed it and I decided to wait some time before I asked some questions.”

Nathaniel said this last meeting happened in November 2013 and he ploughed on with his work until his resignation in January 2014.

He said the whole saga had affected him greatly and he was extremely angry with the whole process.

“I was angry due to the lack of instruction and knowledge of the process by management in regards to the kits or the lack of forms and process at Nickol Bay Hospital. I was angry about the lack of concern for our welfare as attending officers.

I was angry for the lack of follow up from investigating officers in weeks to follow.

“I went for a period of weeks following my internal investigation before I received any feedback regarding the status of the investigation.”

“I want questions to be asked by those that gave requirements or were involved in an investigative capacity to be accountable for their actions and what was done. I know we certainly were.”

Nathaniel said he was disappointed because of the expectation placed on police officers to attend jobs, some critical or serious incidents, and to just get on with business.

“I felt it was above and beyond any other incident I’d been to and it shouldn’t just be treated as another job that I went to. Sure, I’ve been to a number of sudden deaths, been to a number of fatal and serious car accidents with my time in the traffic cell, all types of different day-to-day jobs but in my view, due to the blood sample itself, this was above and beyond any other job I had been to and I just felt it deserved a lot more than we received by way of communication,” he said.

He continued getting on with business however he was struggling following the incident. He sought advice from his acting OIC before speaking with his GP about some support and then presented the options to his OIC. “I actually went and sought some assistance privately through my local GP in regard to some follow up and that wasn’t through any fault of Health and Welfare Branch but I did touch base with them and was told the appropriate person was on leave for a period of time,” he said.

“I spoke with my acting OIC regarding those options without going into too much detail so he was aware of it and he advised that it probably best I take a couple of days off work. My understanding after one discussion with him, I actually went home practically straight away and I think I might have had one, maybe two days off following that before I returned.

“I was still upset and angry about the incident to be honest.

“I found it hard to just get back in the car and deal with other jobs. It was playing in the back of my mind what was going to happen next should something be defined as critical again. Are we going to be dragged through the whole process? I was quite uneasy for a couple of weeks following the incident.”

Eventually Nathaniel resigned from WA Police. The man who joined in his mid-20s was finished but he still wanted the saga which led to his resignation to be resolved.

The Commissioner of Police, Karl O’Callaghan, was due to travel to Karratha to talk to the officers involved but had to cancel at the last minute, Nathaniel wasn’t invited.

He wrote to WAPU in July 2014 wanting questions answered and that letter was passed onto the Commissioner by WAPU President George Tilbury days later.

When the Commissioner rescheduled his trip for August 2014, Nathaniel attended the meeting where the matter was discussed for the best part of an hour.

“It was my view that the Commissioner wasn’t aware of a lot of the correspondence in and out following the incident itself and he also wasn’t aware of a lot of the things that occurred the morning following the incident. Who suggested this, who put the requirement on for that, what was actually done, so a lot of that was discussed with him,” Nathaniel said.

“My view following that meeting was that he was prepared to go away and ask some questions and find some answers and do some research. He stated that he would then attend the next Union meeting and provide feedback or address the Union on the matter.”

The Commissioner is yet to address WAPU on this incident.

The only correspondence WAPU has received on this matter so far, is a letter from Assistant Commissioner (Professional Standards) Dominic Staltari.

Mr Staltari stated it was necessary to test whether Nathaniel and his partner were either alcohol or drug affected.

“The testing of Kett and [Officer A] was appropriate and within the scope of legislative and policy provisions.

Accordingly, WA Police does not accept there was a misuse of the Regulations with respect to testing of Kett and [Officer A]. However, the decision to test [Officer B] and [Officer C] was not in accordance with the Regulations and was an error by a Karratha based senior officer,” Mr Staltari said in his letter to WAPU dated November 8, 2013.

Nathaniel said he was not speaking to Police News for self-gain. He simply wants an apology and some certainty on the process should an incident of this nature happen again.

“I want questions to be asked by those that gave requirements or were involved in an investigative capacity to be accountable for their actions and what was done.

I know we certainly were.

“I understand, and one thing I maintained throughout this process, if there is a formal requirement placed on us as a police officer as a result of something we’ve done, attended, some standard process, I don’t have an issue with that whatsoever.

“There is an expectation that if we are to take breath or a blood sample from somebody that we go through the correct process otherwise or it’s turfed out in court. Irrespective of criminal or traffic offence related matters even through the internal process, I just feel there needs to be a set process.

“If that’s what it is then it needs to be in black and white.

“I would hate to think what would happen to a police officer if they took blood from a member of the public unlawfully.” ▷ 13 Police News february 2015

Mr Tilbury said he was concerned that taking blood samples from Members would become common practice if WAPU had not acted on this matter.

14 Police News february 2015

President Tilbury was incensed when he heard about the treatment of the Members, and some 16 months after the incident, is still seeking answers.

“I have written to the Commissioner a number of times on this matter and the official response we received left a lot to be desired,” Mr Tilbury said.

“The Commissioner has made promises about looking into this incident and providing answers and to date our Members have been left wondering.”

Mr Tilbury said he was concerned that taking blood samples from Members would become common practice if WAPU had not acted on this matter.

“The facts are following Karratha, more of our Members had blood taken from them following another incident which in our view was completely unwarranted,” he said.

“We are strong supporters of urine testing Members when circumstances call for it, but blood testing should be an absolute last resort.”

Mr Tilbury said WAPU had met with the Australian Medical Association WA Branch to ensure it was aware of the situation and that in the event WA Police request blood tests, the proper blood testing kits and paperwork are presented.

“The whole Karratha incident is an absolute debacle from a procedural perspective,” Mr Tilbury said.

“The wrong kits were handed over and however Mr Staltari wants to explain that away, he can, but processes are in place for a reason and they need to be adhered to.”

As for the chances of ever returning to WA Police, Nathaniel said while it was sad to leave despite what had happened, he is happy where he is in the private sector.

“I’ve got a family-friendly roster, I’m comfortable financially and we returned to Karratha because we absolutely love this place and want to live here,” he said “The Commissioner actually offered me a foot back in the door in August, if I wanted to take it, but I respectfully declined. Even though I was only six months into the new job, at that stage, I was happy with where I was and where I was going, moving forward.

“I wouldn't re-engage because I am now the healthiest I have been in a long time. I gave up drinking as of Christmas 2013 and haven't had one since, lost weight, got fit, and work/ life balance is the best it has ever been.

“I am clear minded, a better husband to my wife and father to my children. I had to close the door completely to get back on track which was the hardest thing I have done in my life.

“I owe it to everyone who has supported me to be open and honest about my journey.

“Some of my best and lifelong friends are still in the job and I have a great relationship with them and every other officer I worked with during my time. I have a great respect for the job and its current members.

EMERGENCY 24/7 DIRECTOR

0438 080 930 639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 PH: (08) 9321 2155 F: (08) 9321 2177

Mick Kelly Emergency Director

WAPU www.wapu.org.au admin@wapu.org.au 15 Police News february 2015

Tenure issues causing problems for TRG By Steven Glover

The Tactical Response Group (TRG) is currently experiencing issues filling vacancies after a number of officers were forced out the door due to tenure.

16 Police News february 2015

There are currently a number of vacancies, many of them team leaders, at the TRG which WAPU President George Tilbury said could be filled by former TRG officers.

“These fully trained, experienced TRG officers have been told that due to tenure restrictions, they have to reapply for selection,” he said.

“In light of the Sydney hostage situation, we have concerns about our ability to respond to similar situations here in WA with numerous vacancies in the TRG. “It takes up to seven years to fully train an officer to become a TRG Team Leader, and so it is increasingly important in our current climate to ensure that WA has a full contingent of officers to respond to a range of threats.”

Members within the unit are also very frustrated and a number of them have contacted WAPU to tell their stories and seek assistance. One Member chose to speak to Police News anonymously.

He said no one at the unit wanted tenure and that even the very basis for its inception (anti-corruption) has now been rescinded by upper management.

“Not forgetting the removal of any form of career path that the employee may have had in mind in joining WA Police in the first place.”

“So why is it still being so heavily enforced despite evidence as to its gross failure?” he said.

WAPU sent a letter to Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan questioning the re-engagement policy for police officers reapplying to go back to the TRG after being forced out on tenure.

WA Police responded stating that: “early inclusion of these officers within the TRG selection process would not be consistent with the intent of the tenure policy nor would it be fair and equitable human resource management.”

The TRG Member believes the policy is one of management enforced disruption.

“Not only to the stations and sections affected but to the lives and families of the officers involved,” he said.

“Not forgetting the removal of any form of career path that the employee may have had in mind in joining WA Police in the first place.”

He also believes that fair and equitable human resource management is undisguised political rhetoric for ‘let’s give everyone a turn’.

“Now this statement alone just screams out as to the ignorance and managerial incompetence of our so called leaders.

“How can any business/organisation run effectively on the ‘just give everyone a go’ principle? That is a process designed for the classroom in training people in the various aspects of a particular business or organisation, to give a broad understanding of processes involved.

“Specialist sections are just that ‘specialist’.

“How can it be considered effective ‘resource management’ to spend millions of taxpayer dollars training someone up in specialist skills to then just move them out based on nothing more than time spent in position?”

The Member believes WA Police is targeting mediocrity in all things.

“Succession planning is an industry principle designed to ensure business continuity over time,” he said.

“You always ensure you have new people trained up to ensure minimum disruption when staff leave, transfer or retire. How do you think this would work if you told your employees that they have to train up new people to take over their jobs?

“I was told to my face, to train up people to do my job so that I could be moved out. Who would actually do that?

Who would intentionally train up someone to do the job I had devoted 10 years of my life to so that I would then be moved out?

“I loved training people in skills very close to my heart, skills that I am passionate about, but not at the expense of my own career. This whole concept completely baffles me.

“How could our senior management get it so wrong from such a base level.”

Mr Tilbury said the Union has urged WA Police to fill these positions as a priority to ensure the safety of current TRG members and the community.

“Deputy Commissioner Gary Dreibergs has assured me that he is going to fix this issue and is confident the vacancies will be filled by in the near future. If these vacancies are not filled soon, WA Police needs to lift tenure restrictions on former Members re-joining the TRG and to allow them to enter the group without going through the lengthy selection process as they have already proved they have the skills and qualities necessary for the job,” he said.

WA Police is the only police jurisdiction in Australia which has tenure on its TRG Units.

“I was told to my face, to train up people to do my job so that I could be moved out. Who would actually do that?”

At time of publication, the tenure restrictions had not been lifted.

17 Police News february 2015

Social media supports our cops

01

By Jessica Porter

Founded after the terrible treatment of police officers at a shooting in Carlisle last year, a Facebook page supporting WA police officers continues to gain momentum.

Founder Joshua McEwen said he started the Facebook page ‘Support For Our WA Police Officers’ and website ‘Support Your Local Police’ as a way to say thank you and support the officers who attended the horrifying hostage situation in Carlisle where Brendan John Lindsay took deli worker Sheila Tran hostage.

Mr Lindsay stabbed Ms Tran before police were forced to shoot Mr Lindsay in order to save her life.

After the incident, the policing community was up in arms after it was revealed that the officers involved in the shooting were arrested and detained for up to 13 hours.

However, the Facebook page has now taken on another meaning.

The policing community and general public have now taken to the social media platform to express gratitude for the women and men in blue and voice their support for those that do one of the toughest jobs imaginable.

“Our fans are very active and engaging and just want to promote and support local police,” Mr McEwen said.

“It’s very rewarding and exciting to be a part of this. I originally started this page to show my support but then I stumbled on something that really resonated with the community. They wanted to have a voice as well and as a result, I’m getting messages from the community, local police officers and the law enforcement community just thanking me for establishing this page. It’s really hit the hearts of everyone.”

Mr McEwen’s support for local police officers stems from his own service in WA Police.

He joined Red Squad in August 2007 and graduated from the Academy in February 2008. However, it was only six weeks later that the reality of the job set it.

18 Police News february 2015

“I was sent to Moora Police Station after I graduated and that’s when I attended my first fatal crash at just 20 years old,” Mr McEwen said. “It was on Great Northern Highway where a four wheel drive collided with a sheep truck. It was very confronting.”

He said following on from incidents he saw in Moora, including alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, he was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and went on stress leave.

In 2009 he returned to the metropolitan area on a medical transfer, and continued to be an operational police officer until his separation from WA Police later that year.

Although he is now out of the job, his passion for policing remains alight. Mr McEwen endeavours to re-join WA Police at a later date, but for now is content with sharing the Facebook page, which he runs with his fiancé Jodee Dale, with West Australians.

“In the future, we would like to expand nationally,” he said. “But at the moment we are working on engaging with our supporters.”

The Facebook site is currently creating a Support Your Local Police 2015 calendar, of which $10 from every sale will go the Police Families Assistance Council through WA Police Legacy.

“Because of my own experiences, I have a real passion for the health and wellbeing of our officers and fundraising is just something small we can do.”

You can visit the Facebook page at

01 Founder Joshua McEwen says SYLP now has more than 4800 members.

www.facebook.com/supportforWAPOL or www.sylp.com.au where calendars are available for $30.

WAPU Opinion

Brandon Shortland Senior Vice President

The Cost of Freedom of Speech On Friday January 9, 2015,

The West Australian ran a front page story relating to the tragic and horrific terrorist incident in France now known as the ‘Charlie Hebdo attack’ (United for Freedom, the West Australian, Friday January 9, 2015). The front page graphics were made up of photographs of nine of the 12 victims murdered in this terrible atrocity. It struck me as particularly odd that two of the murder victims, police officers, were omitted from the front page.

I couldn’t help but feel as though the murdered police officers were somehow not considered as real victims in this attack despite their ultimate sacrifices.

Subsequently one morning not long after, I was in the throes of catching up on world events in preparation for a busy day. I was doing the usual multitasking of reviewing the papers, online media articles and television news.

As I read the editorial from ‘The West’ (Free speech will not be silenced by extremists, the West Australian, Wednesday January 14, 2015), I was again angered by failure to acknowledge the police who responded to the attack and were murdered. The article continued the theme of promoting the journalists as martyrs and having sacrificed themselves for the greater cause of free speech.

The irony of what I was reading and feeling struck me like a punch to the mouth however, when at the same time, the ABC were covering the funeral services for the slain police officers as they were laid to rest.

If not for police officers around the world taking an oath to defend our communities, free speech would not exist.

Throughout the reporting of this case by multiple media outlets, the role of police who were murdered in the course of upholding the law, rights and freedoms, the French people take for granted, in much the same way West Australians do, have been minimised and marginalised to make room for shameless self-promotion of journalism.

Much has been said, written and recorded about free speech and the importance of allowing the press to express their views.

Countless hours of airtime, columns upon columns of words and thousands of pages of digital content have all been dedicated to the memories of the Charlie Hebdo journalists and cartoonists.

In comparison, very little regard was given to the brave police officers who died protecting those same cartoonists and the ones reporting the incident.

The most media time given to the police during the reporting of this incident was the shocking and salacious broadcasting of the execution of one of the police officers on the footpath as he begged for his life having done what he could to keep people safe.

The greatest disappointment for me in the reporting of this incident has been a total disregard for and failure to acknowledge one of the most fundamental conditions for enabling free speech – free speech relies on people willing to sacrifice themselves in defence of the laws that allow it.

If not for police officers around the world taking an oath to defend our communities, free speech would not exist.

Many in the media make a sport out of vilifying police, highlighting insignificant mistakes, giving airtime to ratbags and crooks and doing everything they can to sensationalise and blow every minor police-related issue out of all proportion.

It is not all that often that the media tend to report a default position of supporting and celebrating the police that allow them to do their job, even when that job is crucifying them for nothing more than trying to protect the community.

I am not attempting to shift focus away from any of the victims. Nor am I minimising the important role of journalists – we all know the importance of having good quality journalists keeping government, decision makers and those of influence accountable for their actions. I am however standing up and making a point that police and the peacemakers are to be recognised and acknowledged for the important role they play in making our freedoms possible.

Our Members know the dangerous and unpredictable nature of our job and the significant risks it entails.

We choose to do it anyway.

We do it because we believe in the right of people to go about their lawful business in peace, even when that means we know some of them will hang us out to dry when it will sell more papers.

Je suis Charlie?

I am Charlie?

Non, nous sommes la police qui nous permettions vos libertés possible.

N o, we are the police that make your freedoms possible.

19 Police News february 2015

WAPU Opinion

Kevin McDonald

Metropolitan Region Director

New Zealand embodies cooperation and mutual respect It was my privilege to

attend the New Zealand Police Association Conference in Wellington last year which was quite remarkable for me in two memorable ways.

Having temporarily left Perth where the constant bickering, finger pointing and petulant sniping by politicians, the judiciary, CCC management and police management is par for the course, I listened … feeling … envious of relationships among community leaders seemingly light years ahead of our own.

Fir s tly, obser ving the close relationship, shared traditions and culture that exists between generational foreign settlers and indigenous New Zealanders. And secondly, a display of professional leadership, honesty and relationship building of a kind I have rarely encountered before in my home state of WA and, I was struck later on by a hidden cerebral connection between the two experiences.

On arrival in Wellington, WAPU Senior V ice President Brandon Shortland and I attended a welcoming ceremony organised by the NZ Police Association. We, along with other interstate and overseas delegates were formally invited and accepted into the communit y through a traditional welcoming ceremony t hat in clu d e d s to r y - te lling in indigenous language, a singing exchange, traditional introductions followed by a meal.

While the whole evening and events had the effect of making us feel very welcome, my observations of the display and embracing of shared cultural practices by both nonindigenous and indigenous New Zealanders was impressive. I was more than a little envious that I had never encountered that kind of cultural bonding in my own country.

I spoke with some of the local delegates (both non-indigenous and indigenous) about this relationship and it was quite clear that it was a connection nurtured and cultivated over time which was very special to them and also something in which they took a great deal of personal and national pride. I was told things weren’t always this way and the cornerstone of their mutual respect was born out of a deliberate exchanging of cultures. In other words, both foreign and indigenous cultures were offered up, shared and embraced by everyone.

Delegates also explained that though at times the road was bumpy, their shared culture was an attribute of relationships that assisted police conducting their duties, critical in achieving successful outcomes and promoted respect for police.

During the conference, delegates were addressed by Judge Sir David Carruthers who is the head of New Zealand’s Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) equivalent. As pleasantly surprising as witnessing the amazing cultural exchange had been, the honesty, empathy and leadership shown by him came completely out of left field and was put in context by the respect and acceptance shown to him by the conference delegation.

The underlying theme of Sir David’s conference speech encompassed t r i - par t is an e du c at io n , p o lic y development and prevention strategies, in an atmosphere of non-adversarial cooperation and summarised by a cordial, transparent and accommodating relationship with a common purpose and goals. But what it said to me was pure leadership.

In one part of his speech, Sir David commented: “We are very conscious of the fact that we sit in a comfortable office many months after a nasty incident and that we ourselves are not surrounded by drunk screaming people having to make finally balanced decisions in the middle of chaos.” Can you imagine our own CCC saying anything resembling that?

Having temporarily left Perth where the constant bickering, finger pointing and petulant sniping by politicians, the judiciary, CCC management and police management is par for the course, I listened to Sir David feeling both admiration and respect and again, envious of relationships among community leaders seemingly light years ahead of our own.

Meanwhile back at home, the CCC’s quest for success modus operandi to cherry pick and investigate complaints of assault against police officers in lock-ups recorded on CCTV while its Parliamentary Inspector accuses them of undermining police investigations.

Continued page 26 20 Police News february 2015

WAPU Opinion

Lindsay Garratt

Metropolitan Region Director

Lindsay’s search for leadership Leadership development, a traditional mainstream management theme, is not usually the domain of unions However, driving social change is at the very heart of philosophical foundations of unionism. Hence, over the coming editions I hope to bring Members’ insights of others in the search of leadership.

More than ever before there is a growing need for smart positive leaders at every level who understand this connection between their leadership, culture and sustainable organisational performance.

It is now more than 12 months since I wrote “When managers behave badly”, highlighting not only the damaging effect on individual officers but also the creation of a cancerous organisational culture through the retelling of stories about bad management behaviour.

One legendary story once circulating and now sitting dormant in the minds of some Members, involved a senior manager throwing an ash tray across the room at a junior colleague. Another often quoted story of the past was senior managers thumping on tables demanding better performance.

Protagonists often express such behaviour as “strong leadership”.

They espouse paternalistic values, suggesting they know best and are unwilling to listen to alternative points of view. However, what continually disappoints and disillusions Members is seeing managers renowned for their bad behaviour, being promoted to senior ranks. It is their legendary stories that perpetuate a culture of anxiety, fear and intimidation, ultimately leading to overall poor organisational performance and effectiveness.

From purely a union philosophical perspective, organisational performance is not our domain.

However, what is of concern is the longterm health and wellbeing of Members after being exposed to the primary acts by some managers but also the continuous secondary exposure to such story-telling which propagates a toxic organisational culture or sub-culture.

Arguably due to the increased work volumes, more than ever police officers today are exposed to not only the good, the bad, but particularly the “ugly” sides of social life.

We are learning more about pos t-traumatic s tres s disorder (PTSD) from the reliving of the ugly side, compounded by increasing accountability and, no doubt in some cases, by management sub-culture described at best as unsupportive and, at worst, as vindictive.

A 2014 report into the state of workplace mental health in Australia estimates that one in five Australian employees are currently experiencing a mental health condition, triggering a recognition that having a mentally healthy workplace is just as important as a physically safe workplace.

Simultaneously, workplace bullying is increasingly gaining prominence.

There appears to be a growing recognition in business circles of the adverse consequences to employees.

Particularly with the anti-bullying amendments to the Fair Work Act introduced early in 2014, employers are increasingly concerned about facing significant financial penalties for tolerating such behaviour and, in doing so, failing to maintain a safe workplace. It is unfortunate that

organisations with a patriarchal, paramilitary, pace-setting performance a n d ma nage m e nt cult ur e a r e particularly prone.

And it is perhaps poor leadership within such organisations rather than intended bullying that is the true culprit. Hence, if WA Police is to truly improve organisational performance in the long run, as well as avoid financial penalties into the future, it is important we generate and promote an anti-bullying culture across all levels but particularly amongst its most susceptible group: managers.

More than ever before there is a growing need for smart positive leaders at every level who understand this connection between their leadership, culture and sustainable organisational performance. They are awake to the “ugly side” of organisational life, and set about to do their part to change the culture incrementally.

To promote an anti-bullying culture within our organisation, I am in search of the attitudes, beliefs and values behind more authentic leadership.

Over the coming editions, I seek to uncover some of the smart positive leaders at every level. I welcome feedback from Members about people they have worked with who inspire the true essence of authentic leadership.

Do you know a good leader?

Contact Director Lindsay Garratt if you know someone who is a true leader, by email admin@wapu.org.au.

21 Police News february 2015

Steve Brown’s perspective on modern leadership: a positive step forward

By Lindsay Garratt

Deputy Commissioner Steve Brown has been suggested by many as a prime example of a modern leader suited to the modern workplace.

I’ve seen officers, even senior officers in tears and very stressed and it just makes me think we can do better in that space around our attitudes and behaviours in that workforce space.

22 Police News february 2015

Interestingly in a recent interview with Steve, despite occupying a senior pivotal role, he never spoke explicitly about leadership in terms of maximising organisational performance. Instead, he implicitly made the connection highlighting the need to genuinely invest his time and energy into people.

“One of my key pieces of thinking around leadership is being very genuine. It’s not about me, it’s about all those people behind me, it’s about their journey,” he said.

The Deputy said he continues to be very mindful of the impact of his leadership style on others.

“It’s about what my leadership means to them and the difference that it makes in their life and their work role and how I can help them to contribute,” he said “One big component of my leadership is to be able to put the proper construct and context in place for other people to succeed and I think that is a really key point.”

Citing the many hours and early morning breakfast meetings to help people in their development, it is understandable why he has over the years been a very popular mentor.

“I invest an inordinate amount of time, my personal time, into others and that just reaps benefits time and time again,” he said.

However, whilst flattered by people seeking his advice, he attributes his popularity to still calling a “spade a spade”.

Despite finding many of these conversations confronting as many people do, Steve endeavours to practise not putting off these difficult conversations but dealing with them early in the week or the day.

“Some of the closed door discussions that we’ve had are very challenging because it is pointless people coming in and having mentoring sessions with me if I am not going to be open and frank,” he said.

“Some of my mentoring has actually resulted in people having a bit of an epiphany, a better understanding of themselves and one or two of them have actually left this

field of work for other pastures which are far more suitable for them and that is confronting.”

Steve was questioned how his Attitudinal Behaviour Project, which carries the brand “Attitude + Behaviour = Performance”, was relevant for leaders.

He stressed the importance of reputation for leaders to have the right attitude and behaviour so people genuinely accept the message. He made the connection between the way leaders speak and behave towards others inside the organisation with the treatment of members of the public, ultimately affecting organisational performance.

“One of the old catchcries is ‘you do unto others as they would do unto you’ and that is vitally important within the agency,” he said.

“When complaints are raised with me, it is not so much about the process; it’s often about the way sometimes some of our people work within that process. It’s their attitude.

“I can tell you some really bad news today but if it is done in the right way, if it is done with compassion, empathy and it’s consistent across your peer group, if I treat you fairly, you might not like the actual facts I portray but at least I do it in a proper, open, honest way that has absolute meaning for individuals.

“So, it is absolutely important that we treat each other with consistency, fairness. They are overly used words, but they are important because of the adverse impact they can otherwise have on individuals.

“I’ve seen officers, even senior officers in tears and very stressed and it just makes me think we can do better in that space around our attitudes and behaviours in that workforce space.”

The continuance of the hierarchical and paramilitary culture of policing organisations is increasingly becoming outdated. In a knowledge era, there is a greater requirement for all employees to learn and share their ideas in order to continually meet the challenges of a complex world.

Leadership

There is nothing that is simple. Leadership into the future requires deep thinking and broad thinking to get your head around all of the issues. It needs the understanding that there are no simple solutions.

Picture: Ross Swanborough

While this traditional culture may have served WA Police well in the past, particularly keeping employees in line and compliant, the future will require many of the formal cultural trappings to be dispensed with.

Steve said there has been a changing paradigm over the past 30 years.

“Back in the 80s, my senior constables, my sergeants would give me orders and I would follow them blindly and that was one way of working,” he said.

“The emerging workforce are different. They have different values and they pride themselves, as they well should, on asking questions and asking why and I think that is really important and I always encourage that because policing is really complex these days.

“There is nothing that is simple. Leadership into the future requires deep thinking and broad thinking to get your head around all of the issues. It needs the understanding that there are no simple solutions.”

If it is considered that the traditional paramilitary values may perpetuate an environment for workplace bullying to flourish, is was refreshing that Steve believes formalities are losing their relevance and are only necessary is limited circumstances.

“In the day-to-day workforce, even in the operational

workforce, I think they are less relevant,” he said.

“I’ve heard the Commissioner say, and I agree with him, Bankwest don’t have a lot of those regimes in place, and those structures in place and they operate really well as do many other private sector organisations.

“I think when they come into play is when we need to stand up. So you need to be able to transition between both.

“When there is a major operation on and we need to stand up and structure and be structured and give orders, people need to call me Sir, or things like that.

“In the workforce, when you walked into the room, you called me Steve and that is absolutely appropriate. If you called me Sir coming into this room I’d be disappointed so you’ve got that balance.”

The Deputy Commissioner is very much about the people and providing the context and constructs for them to operate and ultimately succeed.

There was a strong focus on the complexities of policing today which requires the mind power of all employees who are fully engaged in the organisation not blindly following the orders of those above them.

The leaders of the future get this, and will work toward providing the right context for all employees to thrive.

23 Police News february 2015

Dean Giacomini & Dave Lampard Field Officer

Field Officer

Protecting Members from workplace hazards and risks to health There will always be moments in a police officer’s career when there is no alternative but to intervene in an incident knowing full well that you are placing yourself at risk of injury or illness. Police officers have accepted this fact for many years and would not apply for the job if they thought otherwise.

Nordic research provides alarming information regarding the life expectancy of police officers after retirement. That’s why the Police Federation of Australia continues the fight with politicians to maintain the ability for sworn police officers to retire from policing at 55 years of age without having superannuation benefits penalised.

Retiring healthy is a crucial factor and there is legislation, policies, programs and services available to Members that will assist them to achieve this goal.

It is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police to put in place practices through the Police Manual and work area Standard Operating Procedures that provide control measures to address the hazards and where possible, the risks.

Providing measures to prevent Members being affected by infectious diseases has been in place since the mid 1980s, 20 years before sworn police officers became covered by the OSH legislation. The Infectious Disease Policy contained in Police Manual Policy (HR-32.05.01) provides clear directions regarding cleanliness and first aid procedures when exposed to infectious disease carried in needlestick injuries, blood borne and bodily fluid pathogens. As with OC Spray aftercare, there should be no unreasonable delay in complying with the advice contained in the policy.

… from January 1, 2015 new legislation provides some hope for Members for early diagnoses, and if necessary medical treatment, when these obnoxious incidents occur.

24 Police News february 2015

For many years, Members have had to endure the stress and anxiety caused by the delays in incubation of infectious diseases when they have been spat on, bitten or subjected to an alleged offender’s bodily fluids. The only possible infection advice available was contained in the lock up admission reports where the offenders may have revealed any infections or illnesses they have been suffering. The toll this takes on Members and their families has been of the utmost concern to WAPU. Through perseverance and hard work from WAPU as well as support of the WA Police CET/OSH Steering Committee, from January 1, 2015 new legislation provides some hope for Members for early diagnoses, and if necessary medical treatment, when these obnoxious incidents occur.

The Mandatory Disease Testing (Infectious Disease) Act 2014 and supporting Police Manual Policies (HR-32.05.02) now empowers police to convey offenders to medical professionals to take blood tests from persons who expose Members to such risks. This will eliminate the previous delay in ascertaining information that has delayed treatment.

WAPU was also the driving force behind WA Police providing annual flu vaccinations for Members. Members are urged to participate when this service is offered in autumn each year.

Police officers associate with all levels of society and the very nature of their duties as well as being 24/7 shift workers makes them susceptible to contract all types of nasty bugs.

Workplaces can also create issues for Members’ health.

Police stations should not be subject to suspicion of ‘sick building syndrome’ and the State Government cost cutting measures should not affect air quality and cleanliness of any police facilities. Members may have to work in dumps but at least they should be clean and healthy.

If you have any issues or questions relating to the safety of your workplace or the new blood testing legislation, please contact WAPU HQ on 9321 2155.

Field Report

So, you want to go to the country?

Regional WA has nearly 1,400 police officers working in country towns as far and wide as Eucla, Geraldton and Kununurra. The requirement to work in country WA is set out in Section 14 of the Police Act which contains the words ‘if required, to perform the same duty in any part of the State’.

If you are thinking about putting in for a transfer to the country, there are a few points that you need to carefully consider first, before submitting the application or expression of interest.

Country towns come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from populations of 300 to 30,000 and being one hour from Perth or two days travel away. The vineyards of the South West are a different world from the goldfields and deserts of the outback.

Family You need to consider the needs and wishes of your family before deciding on transferring to the country.

Factors such as possible employment opportunities for partners and suitable schooling for children are major items that need to be carefully considered when choosing the type of town you want to go to.

If you have teenage children, you need to find a town with access to a high school and if your partner wants to work in their chosen profession then, that needs to be researched very thoroughly.

Housing A fact of life in the country is that the standard of housing is not always going to be as good as in the metropolitan area.

The Department of Housing’s Government Regional

It is not always possible to get housing that you would like or are used to living in, this is a fact of life and one you must accept before deciding to transfer to the country.

Officers Housing Authority (GROH) is the provider of housing in regional WA for all Government employees. Some country locations have privately-owned houses that are leased by GROH, while other towns have GROH-owned housing.

The housing can range from small two bedroom units up to large five bedroom houses with many variations between.

The important thing in regard to the housing is to research what housing is available and make sure you and your family are happy with it before you accept a transfer.

It is not always possible to get housing that you would like or are used to living in, this is a fact of life and one you must accept before deciding to transfer to the country.

As a tenant, you will be required to enter into a lease agreement with GROH for the term of your stay in the town. Current GROH policies are resulting in brand new three bedroom, two bathroom houses being built in many country towns.

Rents for GROH housing vary depending on the size of the house, the distance from Perth and other major cities, distance from the coast and the amenities available.

Confirm what your rent will be for the house supplied.

Rent increases are possible but current policies in place restrict the amounts that those rents can be increased at any time.

Continued over the page

25

Police News february 2015

Field Report

WAPU Opinion

Continued from page 20

Community If you are going to accept a transfer to live in a country town for two years then you are going to have to become a part of that community, it’s as simple as that.

Country people have a different perspective of their local police than people living in the big cities.

They can be very accepting of itinerant government workers when they see those people making an effort to be a part of the community. Living in a small country town can be very rewarding if you approach it with a positive attitude.

Research The main thing to consider when thinking about applying for a country transfer is to conduct your research very thoroughly and know what you are getting into.

Contact the staff at Police Officer Deployment Unit and request further information, ring the station OIC and other staff members and speak to them about life in the town.

Request photos and plans of the house, look at the town on the internet or on the map.

If possible, take a drive or fly to the town that you are thinking of taking your family to for two years or more. Use a weekend to visit the town, look at the house and speak to the people living there.

Once a transfer is issued and you move to a new life in the country, it can be a long two years if you or your family are not happy. A very long time!

26 Police News february 2015

Living in a small country town can be very rewarding if you approach it with a positive attitude.

WA Police management publicly deride the CCC describing it as dysfunctional while the acting head of the CCC (no-one seems to want the job), put all public sector agencies on notice through the announcement of a hit list.

Perth politicians are famous for their own appalling conduct while the local judiciary intermittently hurl their own selfrighteous, patronising grenades treating everyone without a law degree as inferior, ignorant mugs. In a milieu of endless public squabbling, I guess there is no danger of any real leadership emanating from this cadre of so called community ‘leaders’.

WAPU is often the meat in the sandwich of these sometimes acrimonious relationships and commanded to enter the fray purely in our role of Member welfare, representation and advocacy and are frequently damned because of it.

Which brings me back to the hidden connection.

Imagine for a moment that real leadership existed among our so called political, judicial, law enforcement and anticorruption notables in WA. Imagine then the emergence of a pathway constructed by those altruistic leaders that could deliver an ideological and practical means by which our community could achieve a mutual cultural bonding and respect – not unlike that which for me, defines the New Zealand people so succinctly.

In my first visit to New Zealand, I have gained a wonderful insight into a community that aspires toward a common ground and is achieving goals by working together not in opposition, and by recognising the advantages of harmony rather than acrimony. Whether we ever get on the same tracks in the future, I guess only time will tell.

WAPU Opinion

Peter McGee

Metropolitan Region Director

Personal Identity – Keep it secret, keep it safe We often hear the policies and bulletins about using computers and taking care of what is said on social media.

We often associate this with embarrassing ourselves or breaching some department rule that may end up with someone getting a rap on the knuckles or being penalised.

Being professional will not only protect you from complaints and keep the bosses happy, but keeping your private lives out of the scene will keep you safe as well.

There is a far more important reason to be very careful about how we conduct ourselves and what we upload to the virtual world – personal safety.

Unlike the superheroes of literature, we can’t all keep a secret identity to protect our private lives, and more importantly the loved ones close to us, but we can minimise the exposure.

Official records are easily accessible by hostiles simply by making freedom of information (FOI) applications.

Two of the most common utilised sources of information for non-police are Landgate and electoral rolls.

A Landgate FOI can expose Members through any properties they own, have mortgaged or have security association with.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) holds records of every registered voter and their address. As voting in Australia is compulsory for all Australian citizens, there are very few Members that would not appear on this roll. Hostiles can pay a small fee to access any of this information.

There are a number of avenues to combat these security risks and most government agencies have mechanisms to help protect vulnerable customers.

Landgate has a Name Suppression Application pack available on request, which will prevent your addresses being exposed by search requests but it will not prevent disclosure of specified requests for example, where an address is already known the title holder’s details can be discovered.

Electoral information can be protected by becoming a silent voter which removes your address from the rolls.

One of the simplest ways of protecting your location is by utilising a post office box and directing all mail there.

Slightly inconvenient and a small cost but if you only register a box number rather than your physical address you cut the link to your family through the myriad of other FOI applications that can be done via government agencies, private companies as well as the threat posed by lax practices which let information slip out.

Something WAPU, and even the department, has tried to educate us all on is the use of social media.

This is one of the easiest means of uncovering the location of people who repeatedly expose their private lives to the world for all to see.

Members are no different to the general public as they tag themselves and colleagues at social events or post photos at schools or private functions of their children and loved ones. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out locations where someone can ‘bump’ into you or your near-and-dear once you post your likes and dislikes, along with links to clubs and people for all the world to see.

Protecting yourself when you are active on social media is difficult and once your friends and links spread, it is near on impossible.

Please ensure your security settings are optimised so only close friends can view, post or have any other access to or even look your account. Always check friend or contact requests before accepting them by independent contact and above all else, keep the account to a minimum because once your data is uploaded, it is generally impossible to remove completely.

Remember, Facebook does not privatise the email and phone number you attach to your account so they are fair game for everyone to find you.

Another easy breach of personal security Members often fall fowl of, are sideline conversations at scenes.

Being professional will not only protect you from complaints and keep the bosses happy, but keeping your private lives out of the scene will keep you safe as well.

If a specific threat arises, do not hesitate to report it to your District/ Divisional Office and make yourselves aware of the Project Tango policies (PT-1 Police Officers Under Threat).

Keeping everything professional, distant and bland outside of home ground is the best policy. Don’t expose your real life if you value it or want to keep it unsullied by unwelcome attention.

27 Police News february 2015

PETER KELLY

Senior Industrial Officer

Introduction of purchasing card for travel and relieving New Arrangements

The new arrangement was introduced without prior warning or discussion with WAPU and with scant details to supervisors …

28 Police News february 2015

Changes to long-standing arrangements for any industrial entitlements are generally controversial. The introduction of a requirement for Members to utilise a purchasing card for travelling expenses in lieu of the Member paying for meals and accommodation (and claiming reimbursement in accordance with the rates in Schedule F of our Industrial Agreement) certainly meets that criteria.

The new arrangement was introduced without prior warning or discussion with WAPU and with scant details to supervisors by directing that “the amounts spent do not exceed the allowance under the Award”, exacerbated the situation leading to a predictable response from many Members.

The instruction in the Broadcast released by the Executive Director that “total expenditure on the purchasing card must not exceed the amounts which would otherwise be claimable as travelling allowances under the relevant industrial provisions” caused further confusion and was widely misinterpreted by supervisors, many of whom applied the rates in Schedule F of our Industrial Agreement as a ‘cap’ and sought recovery of any payments above the rates in the Schedule.

Clearly this would be an inappropriate interpretation as the Industrial Agreement states that “when it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Employer by the production of receipts that reimbursement in accordance with Schedule F attached does not cover the employee’s reasonable expenses for a whole trip, the employee shall be reimbursed the excess expenditure”. These circumstances are covered but not clearly articulated in the Executive Director’s Broadcast.

Had advice of the change been provided to WAPU at an early stage, we would of course have opposed the change from the outset but could also have assisted in the wording of the Broadcast issued by the Executive Director so that it would have been correctly interpreted by supervisors.

In addition to this, the rates in the Schedule have not been reviewed since 2010 and even if they had been, they would only ever be reflective of an average cost of accommodation and meals in the different localities, with some commercial accommodation providers charging more and some less than the rates in the Schedule.

We wrote to WA Police outlining our concerns and met with the Executive Director, then Assistant Commissioner (Regional WA) and Acting Director of Professional Development to explain our position.

To its credit, the Agency, to the best part, understood and accepted our argument and will shortly issue a frequently asked questions document to clarify any current misunderstandings.

The Executive Director did not accept WAPU’s submission that it would be more administratively cost effective to retain the existing long standing arrangements. However, did nominate the Assistant Commissioner (Regional WA) as the decision maker regarding whether use of the purchasing card is practicable in unique situations involving remote travel and in order to address any specific issues.

Regarding the practicality of using credit cards for work related travel by covert areas, the Executive Director decided that the Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence and Communications) will be the decision maker.

These delegations will be reflected in the frequently asked questions document when it is distributed.

Standard of Accommodation and Meals The reimbursement of expenses incurred by Members when travelling and relieving is not generally subject to PAYG tax as it is a reimbursement of expenses incurred, not a taxable work related allowance such as shift allowances.

WAPU cannot successfully oppose the changed application introduced by the Employer, provided that the standard of accommodation and meals supplied to Members travelling and relieving is as established in our Industrial Agreement.

Industrial reporT

Tweets

Follow us on Twitter @WAPoliceUnion Kensington Police @KensingtonPol

Our submission will be that the ATO rates, which flow from a limited survey undertaken for the Australian Public Service, do not accurately reflect the cost of accommodation and meals in Western Australia, particularly in regional areas.

Where the Employer chooses the option available to him of supplying the accommodation and meals, rather than to reimburse employees, the standard is to be at least single room accommodation with private toilet and bathroom facilities, a cooked breakfast, two course lunch and three course dinner. Use of the new purchasing card is treated as the Employer supplying the accommodation and meals with the employee generally choosing which commercial accommodation provider he or she will use.

Review of Rates in Schedules The current rates contained in Schedules to our Industrial Agreement which were last varied in 2010 are in need of review. We have offered to assist the CPSU/CSA in conducting a survey of the rates charged by commercial accommodation and meal providers. To this end, the Board of Directors and some Branch Officials are assisting in the gathering of information from providers as part of a survey.

The CPSU/CSA will then negotiate with the Department of Commerce to endeavour to reach agreement on new travelling and relieving allowances for public sector employees. Anything agreed will then impact on the rates in schedules to our Industrial Agreement.

Together with the CPSU/CSA we will be strongly resisting a previously held view of the Department of Commerce that the parties simply adopt Australian Tax Office rates rather than conduct a WA specific review. Our submission will be that the ATO rates, which flow from a limited survey undertaken for the Australian Public Service, do not accurately reflect the cost of accommodation and meals in Western Australia, particularly in regional areas.

Watch this space.

Paid a visit to @WAPoliceUnion headquarters. Nice digs and I thought this was pretty cool #couldntfitthelastrowin

Tindall Gask Bentley @TGBlawyers

Hello #Darwin! TGB's @ morrybailes, Victoria Bell & Tom Mead on day 1 of our partnership with the NT Police Assoc.

Lisa Barnes @Barnsy_Lisa

New laws come into effect from midnight, making it mandatory for ppl to undergo blood tests if they bite/spit at a police officer #perthnews

News Talk 6PR 882 @6PR

WA Police Union furious with the latest in the Matt Butcher case. @GaryAdshead6PR chats with Brandon Shortland. http:// www.6pr.com.au/live.audio.html

The West Australian @thewest_com_au

WA police officers told to take special care for personal security after threat level increased. #perthnews http://yhoo.it/1wmWVa4 29 Police News february 2015

Free legal service for current and retired WAPU Members and their families.

The WA Police Union is partnering with leading law firm Tindall Gask Bentley to provide Members with access to first class legal services.

Established in 1970, TGB has grown to become South Australia’s largest plaintiff law firm and has now expanded into Western Australia.

The firm offers a full range of legal services.

Receive 30 minutes free preliminary advice on all legal matters.

We also offer a 10% discount on any legal fees for: • Workers Compensation*, • Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation*, • Family and Divorce law, • Estates and Estate Planning, • Business and Property.

To book an appointment with a lawyer or for more information contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

*If you have not made a claim, disregard this publication.

Deneale Perkins & Richard Yates

LEGAL

Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

The importance of caveats on Blue Team Use of Force Reports The use of force is a

common ground of complaint against Members. An allegation of unreasonable force is easily made and it is vital Members use the mechanisms open to them to protect and defend themselves from unjustified complaints.

As an act of insurance, Members should always use the caveat when a complaint could be raised; which is whenever any force is used by that Member.

The Criminal Code and other laws recognise that police officers will sometimes need to use force in order to uphold their oath of office. Police officers are entitled to use force in circumstances where a member of the public is not so entitled, for example to effect an arrest or detention. If it is suspected that the force used was unreasonable – whether it be that the application force was not authorised by law at all, or the force used went beyond what is deemed reasonable in the circumstances – then officers can come under scrutiny by WA Police or external agencies for example the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC). In these circumstances, criminal and/or disciplinar y proceedings can arise.

Depending on the circumstances, a use of force will often result in a requirement to submit a Blue Team Use of Force Report. It is at this point that Members need to take particular care of their legal interests.

Legal advice and WAPU policy is that all Use of Force reports should always be prefaced with a “reporting caveat”.

This includes when a complaint has not been made. Considering the Use of Force reports must be submitted within 96 hours of an incident, they will often be required long before a complaint is known or raised. As an act of insurance, Members should always use the caveat when a complaint could be raised; which is whenever any force is used by that Member.

The purpose of the repor ting caveat is to make it abundantly clear that the report was not made on a voluntary basis. Statements made or given on an involuntary basis are not admissible in criminal proceedings against the police officer.

There are several versions of the caveat in circulation. The current recommended caveat is as follows: “I have been directed to provide this report pursuant to Regulation 603 of the Police Force Regulations.

I provide this report in the knowledge that should I decline to do so without reasonable excuse, I may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include my removal. I do not consider I have any option but to provide this report. I do not give permission for any record of this report to be disclosed to any third party outside the WA Police Service. If a record of this report is disclosed to a third party without my permission, this is not to be taken as a waiver of my common law right to later invoke my privilege against self-incrimination.’’

However, the older versions, still in circulation, are still valid. While the Union does not recommend deviation from the caveat above, the critical components of the caveat is an express acknowledgement that the Use of Force report is only being submitted because of a legal obligation, and the Member does not waive their right to claim a right against self-incrimination.

Considering Use of Force reports are relevant to disciplinary investigations, and potentially can be examined by external agencies, such as the CCC, it is important that the account given in the Use of Force report is accurate and consistent with any account given thereafter. It is also important that Members turn their mind to the lawful basis of the application of force. For example, was the force applied because that was the force reasonably required to safely arrest? Or in self-defence or defence of another? The categories may overlap in any particular case.

In the event a Member has already been charged with an offence, or been told charges will be preferred against them, they should not complete a Use of Force report under any circumstances without having obtained legal advice.

While the privilege against selfincrimination will still apply, a recent High Court case suggests it is likely that there is no legal obligation to complete a Use of Force report in those circumstances.

Legal advice should be sought through the Union by Members who are concerned that their use of force might be alleged to have been unjustified and who wish to receive legal advice prior to preparing and submitting their report.

TGB Lawyers are available to WAPU Members, retired Members and their families. Call WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155 to arrange an appointment.

31 Police News february 2015

Package a new car and save on tax

Proud Supporters of the WA Police Union Your Package Includes Finance, Fuel, Insurance, Servicing, Tyres & Registration

Mention this advert prior to completing your contract and get a bonus GoPro HD Hero Camera or an iPad Mini when your new vehicle is delivered!

Did you know that as a police officer, you have priority access to salary packaging your next car?

Let the team at Fleet Network show you how to save thousands when buying your next new car.

It’s all about getting the most out of your salary and paying less in tax.

It’s worth a call – it’s your salary, after all.

1300 738 601 www.fleetnetwork.com.au/bonus Fleet Network Pty Ltd. To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract. *Subject to Employer policy. Vehicle for illustration purposes only.

Jim Barnett

MOTORING

Motoring Reviewer

Split personality As well as boasting a number of improvements, the fourth-generation Subaru WRX is cheaper and retains its bang-for-bucks leadership.

Pushing the foot down brings power with a rush and, when combined with the car’s grip, sets the pulse racing.

DESIGN While many two-door coupes lack rear seat and boot space, WRX is a roomy four-door sedan with good comfort levels up front and in the back. Its boot is decent, too, with luggage capacity of 460 litres.

Moving the A-pillar 200mm forward and a slightly wider body provide more interior space and better visibility. Other interior improvements are a new dash layout, softer materials, a soft-feel D-shaped steering wheel and better ergonomics.

All models have a new nosecone, front and rear LED lights, shark-fin antenna and four exhausts. The trademark bonnet scoop remains but only the quicker STi still has the rear wing.

VALUE FOR MONEY At $38,990, WRX manual is $1,000 cheaper than the superseded model and cheaper than the original WRX introduced 20 years ago.

Standard items include: • Six-speaker audio with Bluetooth streaming.

• Aux and USB inputs.

• Climate-control air conditioning.

• Alarm.

• 4.3-inch colour display.

• Self-levelling LED headlights with pop-up washers.

Premium manual costs $43,990 and comes with: • Leather trim.

• Smart entry with push-button-start.

• Electric sunroof.

• High-powered audio system.

A new Linetronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters adds $2,000 to either model.

The more powerful STi (available in manual only) comes with a vast array of mechanical improvements including Brembo brakes.

Entry STi costs $49,990 and Premium $54,990, reductions of at least $10,000 over previous versions.

SAFETY All WRX models score a five-star (ANCAP) safety rating with inclusions such as seven airbags, reversing camera and the security of their proven AWD system.

STATS The 2.0 -litre Boxer engine in WRX produces an impressive 197kW (5,60 0rpm) and 350Nm (2,4 0 0 5,200rpm). Zero-100km/h comes about in 6.0 seconds and claimed fuel economy is between 8.6 (CVT) and 9.2 litres/100km (manual).

STi comes with a bigger 2.5-litre engine which produces 2 21kW (6,000rpm) and 407Nm (4,000rpm).

Zero-100 takes 4.9 seconds and combined fuel economy is 10.4 litres/100km.

ON THE ROAD WRX really has two personalities.

Driven sedately it’s economical with reasonably refined drive characteristics.

Pushing the foot down brings power with a rush and, when combined with the car’s grip, sets the pulse racing.

The new paddle-shifter CVT auto is no slouch, instantly putting power to the ground with quick acceleration.

STi is totally different. Its additional power, stiffer suspension, heavier gearbox and firmer steering make for a less refined car which needs to be treated with some authority. Otherwise it can bite.

VERDICT WRX is an exhilarating performer and delivers value, safety and flexibility.

33 Police News february 2015

Bought to you by

HEALTH

Police Health

Does branding hurt?

Medications that you

receive on prescription are usually marketed as a brand.

The active ingredient is usually referred to as the generic, but generic can also refer to alternate brands when comparing to a well-known brand.

Now that you are confused and we have your attention, here’s an explanation, which may save you some anxiety and money.

Branding “Brand” usually refers to the name of a pharmaceutical product being marketed. Amoxil, Mylanta and Gaviscon are well known brands. The brand will have one or more active ingredients.

The active ingredient in Amoxil is “amoxycillin”, an antibacterial antibiotic. Technically, the “generic name” is “amoxycillin”. Amoxil is the original brand. While under a patent period, no other company could market amoxycillin without permission.

When a medication comes off patent, it allows other manufactures (often referred to as generic manufacturers) to market the active ingredient under their own brand names.

For example (excluding combination medications), amoxycillin is now marketed in Australia under 18 different brand names.

Why do generic medicines cost less?

Often, there is a cost difference between brands, and taking the lower cost brand (where available, permitted and safe) will save you money.

They cost less because the generic brand manufacturers do not need to recoup the cost of research, development and marketing of the original brand.

34 Police News february 2015

Medication coming off patent allows for generic manufacturers to provide alternate brands which usually results in the cost of the medication being reduced, often considerably.

They cos t les s because the generic brand manufacturers do not need to recoup the cost of research, development and marketing of the original brand. These alternate brands or generic medicines are not cheaper because they are inferior or manufactured to lower standards.

A prescription by any other name A doctor can write a prescription for you by either ordering its brand name (Amoxil) or generic name (amoxycillin).

If the doctor writes a prescription for “amoxycillin”, the dispensing pharmacist can supply you with any brand available in the form and strength prescribed. You can however ask about a particular brand, if you prefer.

If a doctor prescribes a particular brand, where permitted and safe, the dispensing pharmacist may offer to supply an alternate brand, often saving the customer money.

If the doctor prescribes a particular brand and ticks the “Brand substitution not permitted” box, then the dispensing pharmacist will only supply the brand prescribed.

When should care be taken?

Care should be taken if you are: • At risk of confusion. This is a major concern associated with brand substitution. One way to avoid confusion is to refer to the generic name which usually appears on the label, as this will be consistent across brands; • Taking a medication with a narrow therapeutic range; and • Intolerance to an inactive ingredient in the preparation (such as gluten, lactose, colourings etc).

Where to get help There may be other factors requiring care in substituting brands. If in doubt, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Police Health Cover Police Health provides benefits towards the supply of non-government subsidised medication that require a prescription.

After you pay the first $20, Police Health will pay a benefit of up to $50.

There is an annual limit of $600 and a Roll-over limit of $1,200.

There are conditions applicable and more details can be found in our brochure called “Pharmaceutical Benefits with Police Health Extras”.

This article provides a general summary only. Professional advice should be sought about specific cases. Police Health is not responsible for any error or omission in this article. The information provided reflects the view of the organisations from which the information has been sourced and does not represent any recommendations or views of Police Health.

Police Health Ph: 1800 603 603 www.policehealth.com.au

From the Archives

February 1999 Some familiar faces held office at the WA Police Union in 1999 with Michael Dean in the President’s chair, current Field Officer Dave Lampard sitting on the Council and Finance Manager Chris Vitler working as the Member Services Officer.

Campaign to win fair EBA offer from Government President Dean wrote to readers about how the Court Government had not presented a remotely acceptable EBA offer in nine months and how it spoke “volumes for the Government’s intransigence and its determination to try to ignore us.”

Opinion Pieces Police Minister Kevin Price said he was anxious to resolve the EBA issues while then Shadow Police Minister and current Opposition Police Spokeswoman Michelle Roberts told how the Court Government had been neglecting police officers for six years.

Weekend Conference of Branch Officials considers year’s hot issues More than 50 Union Branch Officials and Councillors sacrificed a weekend to voluntarily attend a workshop to review current union activities – including the EBA impasses – and plan strategies for 1999.

Former Police Minister Ian Taylor provided an extensive presentation on lobbying and Bob Ibbotson led a presentation on the AntiCorruption Commission with Paul Ferguson and Chris Cull.

The first edition of 1999 also looked at the Joondalup Police Station, conducted a morale survey, provided information and a checklist regarding burn out while current WAPU Directors and Staff Mick Kelly, Dave Lampard, Harry Russell and George Tilbury were all involved at a Branch level.

35 Police News february 2015

READ

Money, Marriage and Divorce

Paul Clithero RRP $19.99

Money is a tricky subject to broach, especially with the new-found love of your life. But Paul Clitheroe, expert financial advisor, says it's never too early to have the conversation. By agreeing on a financial plan together, you will eliminate many moneyrelated arguments.

And if, like many thousands of Australians, you're facing the prospect of separation or divorce, this book provides invaluable information on what to do next financially.

Paul discusses areas including what can happen to you financially if you become divorced or separated, what the legal procedures and costs of divorce are – and how to minimise them, how to arrive at the most favourable financial settlement and how to make the best use of the money you have after divorce, to help fund and rebuild your life.

Watch

Daughter

The Judge

The night of the disappearance.

She used to tell me everything.

They have a picture. It'll help. But it doesn't show the way her hair shines so brightly it look likes sheets of gold. She smells very faintly of lemons. She bites her nails. She never cries. She loves autumn, I wanted to tell them. She collects leaves, likes a child does. She is just a child. Find her.

One year later. Naomi is still missing. Jenny is a mother on the brink of obsession. The Malcolm family is in pieces. Is finding the truth about Naomi the only way to put them back together? Or is the truth the thing that will finally tear them apart?

Big city lawyer Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jnr. Sherlock Holmes) returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder.

Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.

Also starring Robert Duvall (The Godfather), Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring) and directed by David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers).

Jane Shemilt RRP $29.99

DVD SRP: $39.95 BLU-RAY SRP: $44.95

A Walk Among The Tombstones DVD SRP: $39.95 BLU-RAY SRP: $44.95

Liam Neeson (Taken) returns to the screen seething with a quiet and resolute rage in this harrowing new thriller based on Lawrence Block’s bestselling mystery novels.

Neeson is Matt Scudder, a hard-living ex-cop with a drinking problem and a guilty conscience.

Down but not out, Scudder now works the streets as a private investigator operating just outside the law.

When he reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens Downton Abbey) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife, Scudder learns that this is not the first time these men have committed this sort of twisted crime… nor will it be the last.

They kill for pleasure and their rampage has just begun.

Also starring David Harbour (The Equalizer) and directed by Scott Frank (The Wolverine).

win

win

We have one copy of Money, Marriage and Divorce and Daughter to give away courtesy of Penguin Books Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the book. Winners will be drawn on March 3, 2015.

We have five copies of The Judge and A Walk Among The Tombstones to give away courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment.

To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on March 3, 2015.

Police News February 2015

See

LISTEN

American Sniper

Fifty Shades of Grey

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

This horrific portrayal of war in Iraq is brought to life by Director Clint Eastwood (Grand Torino) and stars Bradley Cooper as deadly sniper Chris Kyle. His wife is brilliantly portrayed by Sienna Miller.

Fifty Shades of Grey is the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the bestselling book that has become a global phenomenon. Since its release, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has been translated in 52 languages worldwide and sold more than 90 million copies in e-book and print – making it one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever.

Stepping into the roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, who have become iconic to millions of readers, are Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.

SEASON COMMENCES January 22

Season commences February 12

win We have two passes to give away to American Sniper and Fifty Shades of Grey.

To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on March 3, 2015.

Entertain me

Uptown Special

Title

Mark Ronson’s fourth album Uptown Special is out now and has spent some time at number one on the iTunes album chart.

Uptown Special was written and produced with Grammy® -winning producer Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Drake, Alicia Keys) over 18 months in studios in London, Memphis, Los Angeles and New York City.

The majority of the album’s lyrics – although not the lead single with Mars – were written by Pulitzerwinning American novelist Michael Chabon. Ronson's favourite living author, Chabon became a part of the songwriting process early on and was fully immersed in the album’s narrative creation, often working with Ronson and the vocalists in the recording studio.

The feature single Uptown Funk featuring Bruno Mars has sat at the top of the ARIA Singles Chart for the past six weeks with the single now certified three times Platinum.

Meghan Trainor’s highly anticipated full length album, Title has debuted at number one in the official ARIA charts.

Title immediately shot to the number one spot on iTunes upon release, fuelled by the exciting announcement of her return in April for her first ever Australian shows.

Title features the latest radio smash, “Dear Future Husband” plus “Lips Are Movin”, which hit the top five on the ARIA Singles Chart and has achieved double Platinum sales.

“Lips Are Movin” follows Meghan’s global smash debut “All About That Bass”, which was number one on the ARIA charts for four weeks and is now accredited five times Platinum. “All About That Bass” went to number one on the iTunes singles chart in 79 international markets including Australia and number one on the Global Spotify and Shazam Charts, making Meghan a global pop-phenomenon.

Mark Ronson Out Now

Meghan Trainor Out Now

win We have five copies of Uptown Special and Title to give away courtesy of Sony Music Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the CD. Winners will be drawn on March 3, 2015.

37 Police News February 2015

* WAPU SCHOOL HOLIDAY BALLOT APPLICATION Applications will only be accepted on this form, It can be faxed, emailed or posted to WAPU HQ. Complete and return by Friday 20 March 2015 to: WA Police Union 639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 Fax: 9321 2177 Email: admin@wapu.org.au

Only mark the holiday periods and locations you are prepared to accept in numerical order of preference.

Note: Bookings are available from Saturday (2pm) to Saturday (10am) only.

December 2015 / January 2016 WEEK 1 19.12.15 to 26.12.15

Results to be advised by Friday 27 March 2015 Name (Please Print):

WEEK 2 26.12.15 to 02.01.16

WEEK 3 02.01.16 to 09.01.16

WEEK 4 09.01.16 to 16.01.16

WEEK 5 16.01.16 to 23.01.16

ALBANY

PD No:

BUSSELTON VILLA 4

Address (Home):

BUSSELTON VILLA 11 Post Code:

Work (Unit/Section):

BUSSELTON VILLA 15 ESPERANCE EXMOUTH KALBARRI UNIT 27

Email (Home):

PORT DENISON

Phone no. (Work):

YALLINGUP

(Mobile):

Discount Buying Service Electrical Discounts We are here to help with the products you wish to purchase!

Simply contact us with the make, model number and your best price; let us do the rest!

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Retail Partners Receive special deals from over 60 ShopRite retail partners!

Offering real discounts to members, you are sure to find a bargain!

Make sure you check out the fantastic “Deal of the Day” offers on our website!

1300 650 214 38

www.shoprite.com.au

Police News February 2015

WEEK 6 23.01.16 to 30.01.16

SAVE with WAPU Member benefits MORE DISCOUNTS? If you know a business or a venue that might be interested in providing a special deal or rates for WAPU Members, the Union would like to hear about it.

Please contact Director Peter Potthoff on 0407 476 679 or admin@wapu.org.au to pass on the details.

Member benefits

Holden Partner Program As a valued partner of GM Holden, WAPU Members are being rewarded with special discounts, of up to $2000, on a range of Holden vehicles.

The GM Partner Program gives you a genuine opportunity to purchase Holden cars at heavily discounted prices.

To keep the process simple, contact WAPU Field Officer Dean Giacomini with the details of the car you intend to buy and once approved your Partner Program Certificate will be emailed to your private email address.

Once you have a certificate, you can purchase a car from the Holden dealer of your choice.

Simply go into the dealership, negotiate the very best price, trade-in value and any accessories you want, then produce the Certificate prior to concluding your final offer to purchase.

That brings an additional discount, over and above the price you have negotiated.

The vehicles and discounts available can be found on the WAPU Member Benefits Page at www.wapu.org.au.

Psst‌ Want to buy a watch?

The very popular Casio watch offer is returning in 2015.

Members can place their order online and pay via an electronic transfer.

A new range of watches, including ladies watches, is available to view at www.wapu.org.au.

Spotters Sunglasses are also available to purchase, with the range can be viewed at WAPU HQ and an order form on our website.

Happy shopping!

Member Services Committee Chair Peter Potthoff wants you to buy some of these watches.

Check out more Member benefits online at the WAPU website

www.wapu.org.au 39 Police News february 2015

new members

Red Squad joins WAPU’s ranks Red Squad 06/2014 graduated on Thursday December 18 in a special night time graduation at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup.

Watched on by family and friends as well as WAPU President George Tilbury and Senior Vice President Brandon Shortland, WAPU’s newest Members were due to hit the streets soon after graduating during one of the busiest times of the year.

WAPU wishes our new Members all the best with their careers.

Edward Anderson Simon Barcham Gabrielle Blanquart Alexander Dartnall Charlotte Duffy Charles Dunnington Cassandra Edwards Cassandra Fruhwirth Joseph Ireson Kylie Johnson Jennifer Kerford Rachel Kingsbury Leighton Kirk Levente Kovacs

Andrew Langman Robert Neenan Ryan O’Driscoll Katelyn Powell Narelle Reichelt Kieran Richards Felim Rugel Jarreau Smith Hamish Thomson Christine Toop Erika Venter Brooke Watson Thomas Wells Hollee Worrell

01 Sergeant Mick Williams and First Class Constable Emma Needs were awarded the Cross for Bravery Award on the night.

40 Police News february 2015

01

41 Police News february 2015

Retirements & resignations

Vale

Retiring members

Resigning members

5244 Grant Wainwright 5772 Stephen Turner 8360 Calven McCullough 40182 Rex Weldon

6930 Steven Bertoli 7023 Charles Carver 9987 Stephen Harris 11599 Jeremy Smith 11792 Tracey Polmear 12091 Shayne Brownlie 13601 Damian Robson 14159 Jonathan Springer 14252 Jason Devine 14275 Adam Nicholl 14528 Joshua Wilson 14554 Jack Bareham 14628 Benjamin Leadbeatter 14636 Emma Arras 14852 Robert King 15184 Lisa Warren 15203 Tracy Cleary 15327 Robert Dodson 15514 Andrew Kennedy 15660 Callum McLean 99427 Alex Malloch 99804 Andrew Schultz

42 Police News february 2015

Serving 7724 Senior Constable Garry Kenneth Cave Aged 59

Retired cont.

3207 Sergeant Warwick Stanley Lake Aged 81

Retired 5816 Detective Sergeant Stephen John Dawson Aged 62

2683 Chief Inspector William Victor Wagstaff Aged 85

3230 Superintendent Kevin Denis Hodgkin Aged 77 3755 Sergeant John Hearne Aged 69 2727 Superintendent Maxwell Thomas Gordon Aged 88

2572 Second Class Sergeant Lyall Hamilton Warrick Aged 90 5319 Constable Trevor Frank Cavanough Aged 79

Where are they now?

02 03

01 John early in his career with WA Police while working in Traffic. 02 John with his Grandson at his graduation ceremony from Maylands Police Academy. 03 John with Karl O'Callaghan receiving his Police Service Medal in 2006.

John Francis Regimental number: 4304

01

What are you up to now?

What was the highlight of your career?

Looking after the garden mostly, I’m 84 years of age so I also do odd jobs around the place trying to keep busy.

I retired in 1987.

What I really set out to do right in the beginning was to try and make something of myself which I did. I passed my exams and became a Third Class Sergeant. Getting promotion, that’s what I set out to do in the beginning.

What areas did you work in?

I was a police officer from 1970 to 1987.

Road Traffic Patrol, then I went to Central, then to Kalamunda, Victoria Park Traffic Office, OIC of Brookton, back to Central and back to Traffic Patrol.

I’ve done the complete circle, I started at Traffic patrol and I finished there 17 years later, so it was all wrapped up in one big parcel.

What did you like most about policing?

Everything. I did like it when I worked in Traffic, that was my happiest time.

What did you dislike about policing?

Nothing really, I really enjoyed the 17 years I spent in the police force and I think when I look back that was the happiest working time of my life.

I can’t remember having any cross words with anyone.

It was really a good happy time. I made a lot of friends, a lot of good mates and it was an enjoyable and productive time of my life.

One of the highlights was serving time at Brookton Police Station.

In your opinion what have been the biggest changes in policing over the years?

There’s that many I couldn’t narrow them down.

It really has changed over the years. Not for the worst but like everything else, things change and that’s the way the world is.

Is there anything you would do to make policing as a profession safer and more appealing?

I think it has a lot to do with the guys that are police officers, they sort of have to focus on making policing a career. If you don’t do that I think you need to adapt yourself to making policing a career.

What do you miss the most about the job?

I miss being in Traffic and I miss a lot of my mates.

That was really a very good time in my life and I made a lot of good friends and mates and Traffic was probably the highlight.

43 Police News february 2015